Collingwood supports anniversary event at Nelsons monument

On Friday 20 October the Nelson Society held a commemorative service at the Nelson Monument on Portsdown Hill to acknowledge the 212th anniversary of the laying of its foundations.

Commander David Johnston Royal Navy, Executive Officer HMS Collingwood, laid the wreath on behalf of HMS Collingwood.

The event was supported by officers and ratings from the Fareham base.

Commander Johnston said “Trafalgar Day is a very important occasion.  

“We met to give thanks for the life of Horatio Lord Nelson and to remember the part he played in ensuring the safety and freedom of this country.”

Cadets from the establishment’s Volunteer Cadet Corps were also present together with Bugler Colour Sergeant Barnes from Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Collingwood who played the Last Post, the Silence and Reveille. 

The Monument was constructed by Nelson’s “companions in arms” following the Battle of Trafalgar as a memorial to Nelson but also serves as practical purpose as it can be seen from Portsmouth harbour where it is used as a seamark to bring the vessels safely into Portsmouth harbour. 

The description on the monument reads “Consecrated to the memory of Lord Viscount Nelson by the zealous attachment of all those who fought at Trafalgar to perpetuate his triumph and their regret MDCCCV (1805).”